Immersive Insights 05/01/24

Ready Player One's Author and Producer Launch Readyverse Metaverse with AI Tech Firm

Ernest Cline, author of "Ready Player One," and film producer Dan Farah are teaming up with AI tech company Futureverse to bring the virtual world of OASIS to life in a metaverse called Readyverse. Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery, the online world aims to provide interactive digital experiences, games, and social interactions within a 3D virtual space. The project marks a collaboration between Hollywood and the tech industry to bridge the gap between traditional entertainment and virtual reality.

UK Police Investigate Alleged Virtual Rape in Metaverse, Highlighting Challenges in Digital Assault Prosecution

UK authorities are investigating an alleged case of virtual rape in a metaverse involving a teenage girl. The victim's personalised digital avatar was reportedly "sexually attacked" by strangers, leading to concerns about the emotional and psychological impact on the minor. While the incident occurred in a virtual environment, authorities grapple with legal challenges, questioning the applicability of existing laws that define sexual assault as non-consensual "physical touching." UK Home Secretary James Cleverly supports the investigation, emphasising the potential real-world implications of such digital trauma.

Walmart Joins Forces with Unity to Pioneer Immersive Shopping in the Metaverse

沃尔玛 has entered a strategic partnership with Unity , the real-time 3D content development platform, to integrate immersive shopping experiences into the metaverse. This collaboration allows Unity developers to embed Walmart’s commerce APIs directly into their games and applications, enabling real-time 3D interactions with physical products across various metaverse platforms. Walmart's venture into the metaverse, initiated in 2022, has seen successful experiments on platforms like Roblox , with Unity-enhanced experiences like "House Flip" and "Avakin Life" allowing users to purchase real-life counterparts of in-game items. The alliance with Unity is viewed as a groundbreaking move to innovate metaverse commerce and create new revenue streams for developers.

Virtual Reality Show 'Elvis Evolution' to Bring the King of Rock 'n' Roll Back to Life

Elvis Presley fans will have the chance to experience a virtual reality show, "Elvis Evolution," later this year. The immersive entertainment company, Layered Reality , is developing the show, utilising AI, holographic projection, augmented reality, and live theatre to recreate events from Presley's life and music. The experience will take visitors on a journey from Tupelo to Memphis and Las Vegas, culminating in an AI performance by Elvis. Layered Reality collaborated with Authentic Brands Group , gaining access to thousands of personal photos and hours of home videos to create the virtual performances. The show will debut in London before travelling to cities such as Las Vegas, Tokyo, and Berlin.

Visa Unveils Web3 Loyalty Engagement Solution to Revolutionise Customer Rewards

Visa has introduced the Visa Web3 Loyalty Engagement Solution, aiming to meet evolving consumer expectations in loyalty programs. This innovative service goes beyond traditional points-based benefits, rewarding users not just for purchases but for engagement and interactions. The platform offers immersive experiences like gamified giveaways and augmented reality treasure hunts, connecting Web2 with Web3 innovation. Powered by SmartMedia Technologies , the solution allows brands to create customised and curated experiences, providing consumers with a digital wallet to apply rewards across virtual, digital, or real-world sectors like travel and sports.

Girls Make Games: Kippie CIC and Northern Ireland Screen Launch Free Educational Program to Inspire Young Female Designers

Due to the fact the UK tech sector reports that only 17% of employees are female and in Northern Ireland only 15% of A level computing students are female Kippie CIC, in collaboration with Northern Ireland Screen , has opened applications for the Girls Make Games course. Targeted at girls aged 11 to 14, the four-week program in Belfast introduces participants to game development using tools like Gamemaker and Procreate on iPad. The initiative aims to foster creativity and problem-solving skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, providing insights from local industry experts and studio tours. Following a successful previous course, Girls Make Games encourages young females to explore careers in the gaming industry.

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